The Bottom LineCambridge Audio's latest Azur 540R receiver is ideal for an entry-level buyer who is more concerned with performance than the latest features. It's great value for money but the vanilla specification might not stand the test of time

This is actually the third incarnation of the company's Azur 540R receiver, and several improvements have been made without affecting the price.

Strengths
For a budget receiver, build quality is impressive, with a reassuringly solid construction and stiff, responsive controls -- even if the straight-edged design isn't especially imaginative.

Among the latest upgrades in the receiver's third generation is a redesigned amplifier stage, which claims to reduce interference. Digital connectivity has also been introduced with two HDMI inputs and a single output that will cater for basic video switching between compatible sources like a high-definition player and HDTV receiver.

Setting up the system is extremely simple. An attractive and bold on-screen menu system is supported by an understated but intelligently arranged remote unit. It's relatively basic but there are some advanced adjustments, including a comprehensive Bass Management system that lets you customise the crossovers for a variety of the usual surround decoding formats.

With a claimed 80W of amplification for each channel, the sound is reasonably powerful and immediately engaging. Expansive dynamics create an energetic delivery with plenty of dramatic impact that enlivens explosive film soundtracks like The Kingdom -- you can almost feel every bullet fly past during the shoot-out scenes.

The forceful sound is augmented by carefully controlled low frequencies, which remain composed even when faced with high volumes and don't overwhelm the clear presentation of dialogue. The receiver's enviable dynamics also extend to stereo performance -- still a feature that some home cinema amplifiers struggle with, especially at the budget level.